Jan. 10, 2006

When Kansas fell to 3-4 after a loss to St. Joseph's at the Jimmy V. Classic, there were some naysayers questioning the Jayhawks. Let me tell you, this Kansas team looks a lot better than the squad I saw lose at Madison Square Garden. Bill Self feels he still has to find combinations and figure out lineups. Self has a very young but extremely talented squad.

There is depth, and the Jayhawks have shown improvement in playing as a team. Remember, three of the four losses came by three points or less (Arkansas by one, Nevada by two and St. Joseph's by three). Since that loss, the Hawks' schedule has been relatively favorable, but there was the quality win over California, and Saturday's blowout of Kentucky. Self feels many of his players haven't separated themselves in terms of talent and role. Self wants to shorten the rotation but is still experimenting.

The bottom line is, there are four phrases to a college basketball season: preconference, conference, conference tournament and then the big dance. You don't play cupcakes once you start league play. Just look at early Big 12 action, with a number of close calls.

Kansas has made strides. Brandon Rush was brilliant against Kentucky, with 24 points and 12 rebounds. In the rout of the Wildcats, there was a bounce in the steps of the Jayhawk players. The ball movement on offense and defensive pressure were impressive. The Hawks were fired up and they have now won six in a row.

I really feel Kansas can get into the mix among the elite teams in the Big 12. The Hawks have the talent, and I wouldn't be surprised if they finished in the top three again. That would be a solid finish given the talent lost from last year's squad -- the likes of Wayne Simien, Aaron Miles and Keith Langford. The win over Kentucky sent a message to the Big 12 -- watch out for Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk, baby!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.